Background - The BMW K1300SBMW announced updates
to the K 1200 series at the 2008 Intermot show in Germany.
They sent us 85 pages (!) of information covering the BMW
K 1300 S, BMW K 1300 GT and BMW K 1300 R, with even a little
S 1000 RR thrown in for good measure.

This much information means that BMW is counting on this
as a major release. But...we can't help but wonder if
this is a case of "too much, too late"?

With the global economic meltdown of 2008, worldwide
extreme fuel prices and the difficult loan situation in
many countries, a $20k bike with a 1300 cc engine may not
be the best strategy. Meanwhile, at least in North America,
dealers are completely sold out of smaller, fuel-efficient
125 cc to 500 cc motorcycles for the first time in decades,
due to the new riders coming online and high fuel prices
motivating buyers to look for MPG rather than HP.

In any case, the production schedule for the new K 1300
series was probably set several years ago, so there isn't
much that BMW can do about it. And 1300 cc should be quite
a kick...may as well go down in flames as the world comes
to an end!

Here is an edited version of their information on the
revised K 1300 S; we'll follow up with the rest of the
new K 1300 series as soon as we can wade through the rest
of the 85-page press release covering these new models.

BMW K 1300 S

The New BMW K 1300 SeriesThe significantly
updated and upgraded successor to the BMW K 1200 S is proudly
celebrating its world debut at the 2008 INTERMOT motorcycle
show: the new K 1300 S, the most powerful and fastest BMW
the world has everseen.

As a milestone in the BMW Sports Encounter World and
with engine output of 129 kW (175 hp) combined with overall
weight of 254 kg (560 lb) including fuel, this truly supreme
motorcycle offers the utmost in dynamic performance and
sporting riding features. Launching this new model, Europe’s
largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer is once
again increasing its leadership in the topmost class of
sporting high-performance machines.

Conceived consistently as a sports machine, the K 1300
S has not only maintained, but in many areas even enhanced
the qualities of its predecessor. As a result, this new
high-performer combines fascinating and innovative technology
of the highest caliber with outstanding all-round qualities
and safety.

On the road this means even greater riding precision
and agility, even more dynamic power and performance, and,
at the same time, the superior safety and ease of control
in all situations so typical of a BMW.

Like its predecessor, the K 1300 S does not make any
compromises, but rather brings together even more consistently
than before all the virtues of the most dynamic motorcycle
in the K-Series: sporting and dynamic performance combined
with superior comfort, playful and easy handling.

This is also enhanced with absolute riding stability,
supreme top performance in conjunction with perfect everyday
riding qualities, an even more slender and sporting look
with optimized protection from wind and weather, plus sophisticated
ergonomics.

Taking up a great tradition of BMW Motorrad, the new
K 1300 S stands out through qualities typical of BMW such
as a long service life, ease of maintenance, optimum emission
management by means of a fully controlled three-way catalytic
converter as well as maximum active safety when applying
the brakes ensured through the most progressive brake system
currently available in the market: BMW Motorrad Integral
ABS featured as standard.

As in the past, BMW, through the K 1300 S, offers the
only sports motorcycle in this segment with a maintenance-free
drive shaft.

The main objective in developing the new K 1300 S was
to create an even more supreme motorcycle with enhanced
riding qualities ensured by an even more powerful and harmonious
torque curve and a higher standard of riding comfort.

Increasing engine capacity to 1,293 cc while maintaining
maximum engine speed of 11,000 rpm ultimately led to a significant
improvement of performance, power and torque. In its fundamental
qualities, the K 1300 S is based on the proven drivetrain
configuration and engine arrangement of its predecessor,
using the existing advantage of a low centre of gravity
made possible by the extreme angle of the cylinder bank
tilted 55° to the front and allowing very low arrangement
of the engine.

At the same time the new K 1300 S benefits from the very
slender engine block allowing a very low angle in bends
for a truly sporting and dynamic style of riding.

In its suspension and running gear the new K 1300 S –
by far the lightest 1,300-cc model in this segment at 228
kg/503 lb dry weight – applies a successful concept combined
with proven modules and components. One example in this
context is the extra-low V-shaped radiator interacting with
the wheel supports to provide an ideal configuration of
the frame above the cylinder head and, as a result, reducing
the overall width of the machine.

And with the frame profiles merging smoothly at the rear,
the K 1300 S enables the driver to hold his knees tightly
together, ensuring optimum contact with the motorcycle under
all conditions. The active, dynamic and forward-looking
seating position is tailored fully to the rider, but nevertheless
allows a relaxed and comfortable style of motorcycling at
all times.

So while being unusually dynamic and sporting, the K
1300 S is almost playful and certainly very safe in its
behavior, guaranteeing stress-free riding pleasure even
in sporting style. Innovations on the running gear and electronics.
The upgraded front-wheel Duolever suspension makes a significant
contribution to the outstanding riding qualities of the
K 1300 S.

The newly developed, lower longitudinal arm now made
of a forged aluminum alloy ensures an even more sensitive
and transparent response, further enhancing the leadership
of BMW Motorrad in the area of suspension technology.

The spring/damper set-up is firmer than before also in
the interest of even better feedback. The K 1300 S is available
with second-generation Electronic Suspension Adjustment
(ESA II) as an option, a further development and improvement
of the original ESA suspension introduced for the first
time in series production on the K 1200 S.

Applying the most advanced CAN-bus technology, the progressive
on-board network allows a wide range of functions and facilitates
the diagnostic procedures usually required by intelligently
connecting the machine’s electrical and electronic systems.

BMW K 1300 S in Lava Orange Metallic.

Technical Highlights:

Even more dynamic
performance, particularly at lower and medium engine
speeds, thanks to the increase in engine capacity.

Ergonomically
balanced seating position for a relaxed but active style
of riding.

Electronically
adjustable second-generation ESA II suspension and ASC
Anti-Spin Control as an option.

New, innovative
generation of switches with optimised ergonomics.

High standard
of active safety provided by integral ABS (semi-integral)
featured as standard.

On-board network;
CAN-bus technology for superior function with a smaller
number of cables and low weight.

Electronic immobilizer
featured as standard.

Optimised aerodynamics.

HP Gearshift
Assistance for shifting up without the slightest interruption
of power as special equipment.

Wide range of
standard features and special equipment tailored to
the K 1300 S with the usual high standard offered by
BMW.

Second-Generation, 1300 cc Powerplant
The second generation of BMW Motorrad’s four-cylinder power
units has been upgraded and updated in the interest of even
more power and performance, extra torque, and supreme riding
dynamics.

Displacement of the four-cylinder inline power unit in
the K 1300 S is up by 136 cc from 1,157 cc to 1,293 cc.
Maximum output is 129 kW (175 hp) at 9,250 rpm, maximum
torque of 140 Newton-meters or 103 lb-ft comes at 8,250
rpm.

In absolute figures, this is an increase in engine output
by 6 kW (8 hp) and an increase in peak torque by 10 Newton-meters
(7.4 lb-ft). While the former K 1200 S had to be revved
up to 10,250 rpm to develop its maximum output, the power
unit of the new K 1300 S develops its maximum power at a
relatively low 9,250 rpm.

A further significant advantage is that more than 70
per cent of the engine’s maximum torque is available from
just 3,000 rpm, with 10 Newton-meters or 7.4 lb-ft more
torque available all the way from 2,000–8,000 rpm versus
the K 1200 S.

The objective in developing the new model was obviously
to enhance the already high standard of riding dynamics
and sporting characteristics through power and performance
easy to handle at all times. And weighing 82.8 kilos/182.6
(K 1200 S: 81.3 kilos/179.3, in each case including the
clutch, gearbox and oil), the upgraded power unit of the
K 1300 S remains one of the lightest engines of its size
in the market.

Like the previous model, the K 1300 S benefits above
all from its carefully conceived overall configuration as
well as the space-saving arrangement of ancillary units
and the integrated gearbox. In all, this makes the entire
drivetrain very compact, with ideal concentration of all
masses in the middle of the machine.

And as on the K 1200 S, the overall width of the power
unit, measured on the level of the crankshaft, is 430 millimeters
or 16.9". The perfect interaction of technical solutions
and optimum integration of the engine and running gear already
featured on the K 1200 S is fully retained on the K 1300
S.

In the process of upgrading the power unit of the K 1300
S, the engineers at BMW Motorrad have given particular emphasis
to supreme riding qualities. Hence, the combustion chambers
on the four-cylinder, the intake camshaft angle and the
valve timing as well as the stroke of the outlet valves
have been modified accordingly, with the outlet valve springs
being re-set from the ground up.

Together with their anti-friction bearings, the conrods
weigh just 404 grams (K 1200 S: 413 grams). In usual BMW
style, the upper conrod opening comes with a bearing bush
conceived for a service life of more than 100,000 kilometers
or 61,000 miles.

Newly developed lightweight box-type pistons measuring
80 millimeters or 3.15" in diameter, with a short piston
apron and two slender piston rings optimized for minimum
friction as well as a slender oil scraper ring, serve to
increase cylinder stroke and, accordingly, the capacity
of the engine.

Balance Shafts for Engine SmoothnessThe balance
shafts turn twice as fast as the crankshaft. To minimize
any noise or sound waves generated in the process, the balance
weights are connected to the balance shafts by means of
elastomer units.

Split horizontally along the middle of the crankshaft,
the cylinder crankcase is made of a high-strength aluminum
alloy. Made of a die-casting, the compact upper section
forms an extra-stiff composite unit comprising the four
cylinders and the upper bearing support for the crankshaft.

Dry Sump Oil SupplyThe K 1300 S features dry
sump lubrication introduced on the K 1200 S and proven over
many years – the same technology as is largely used on racing
engines.

Apart from superior operating qualities and reliability
even under extreme conditions, dry sump technology quite
unique in this segment keeps the crankcase low and flat
and therefore ensures a low position of the engine and a
low centre of gravity.

By leaving out the usual oil sump, the entire engine
may be fitted 60 millimeters or 2.36" lower down than
a conventional power unit.

The oil reservoir comes in a tank fitted in the frame
triangle behind the engine. A dual oil pump operating at
the rear of the crankcase and driven by a chain from the
clutch shaft draws in lubricant from the oil reservoir and
feeds the compressed oil first to the oil filter (main flow
filter).

Easily and conveniently accessible from outside, the
oil filter is positioned on the lower left side of the crankcase.
From there the compressed oil flows into the main oil pipe
in the crankcase and is spread out through internal holes
to the lubricating points.

The oil flowing back, in turn, gathers at the lowest
point in the crankcase formed by a bulge in the lower lid.
The second pump then delivers the oil flowing back first
to the oil cooler and from there to the oil tank, forming
a reflow system patented by BMW.

The larger oil cooler is integrated beneath the headlight
in the aerodynamically optimized front fairing for superior
aerodynamics. In the interest of consistent lightweight
technology, finally, the oil cooler pipes are made of aluminum.

The oil level is checked conveniently and easily by means
of a transparent plastic pipe at the outside of the oil
reservoir. This patented hose-like pipe also serves to drain
oil from the tank during maintenance. Capacity of the oil
tank is 4.2 liters or 0.92 imp gals. An oil level warning
system is available as an option in conjunction with the
likewise optional on-board computer.

Optimum Location for Ancillary UnitsTo keep
the engine as slender and compact as possible, the electrical
ancillaries and their drive units are fitted behind the
crankshaft in the open space above the gearbox. The alternator,
in turn, is driven by the primary gear on the clutch, developing
maximum output of 580 W and maximum electric power of 50
Amps.

Gearbox and Shifting - The BMW Gearshift Assistant
The gearbox has been upgraded and modified for the new K
1300 S, with the shift forks, the shape of the dog-shift
units and the geometry of the gears themselves being optimized
in the process. The gears are now contoureddifferently
at the rear and the shift forks come with a three-point
rest replacing the former two-point base.

To reduce weight, the hollow shift cylinder is made of
high-strength aluminum alloy and runs in anti-friction bearings.
The shift forks are made of steel and are lubricated by
compressed oil.

To reduce the length of the gearbox, the two gearbox
shafts are positioned above one another. The gears themselves
are in straight-tooth configuration benefiting not only
the degree of efficiency but also the overall width of the
gearbox.

The K 1300 S features a new shift lever with an ergonomically
optimized pivot point. Together with the likewise new anti-friction
bearing for the shift lever this ensures an even more precise
and faster gearshift than before. At the same time gearshift
travel is even shorter and more dynamic.

For the first time in the history of large-scale motorcycle
production by BMW and, indeed, for the first time in series
production worldwide, the rider of the K 1300 S is able
to shift up with the help of the optional HP Gearshift Assistant
without operating the clutch and, accordingly, without the
slightest interruption of traction and pulling force.

To perform this operation the ignition and fuel supply
are interrupted for fractions of a second in the shift process.
The HP Gearshift Assistant introduced for the first time
on the HP2 Sport comes together with the sports footrests
available as special equipment. Shaft drive to the rear
wheel – optimized and quite unique in the sports segment.

New Exhaust System With Three-Way Catalyst
On the revised exhaust system of the K 1300 S the four individual
manifolds of exactly the same length merge initially into
two pipes beneath the gearbox and then into one single pipe
leading on into an extra-large, newly developed rear muffler
(4-in-2-in-1 principle).

The muffler is significantly shorter than on the former
model and now finished in sporting hexagonal design offers
a capacity of 9.1 liters (K 1200 S: 9.5 liters) despite
its short length and works according to the reflection principle.

Both the outer skin and the all-new interior of the rear
muffler now much lighter than before are made of top-quality
stainless steel. The metal-based catalytic converter with
200 cells/square inch is integrated exactly at the point
where the manifold merges into the rear muffler and comes
with a coating of rhodium and palladium combining superior
temperature resistance with a long service life.

Full maintenance of the strictest noise and emission
limits, despite the increase in engine power and performance,
is ensured on the K 1300 S for the first time at BMW by
a butterfly in the collector pipe electronically controlled
and opening up the full cross-section of the exhaust manifold
as a function of increasing engine speed.

At low to medium engine speeds the variable cross-section
remains relatively small to build up greater ram pressure
in the interest of extra torque and pulling force, while
the full cross-section opened up at higher engine speeds
serves to develop maximum power and a sporting sound.

Apart from making an important contribution to the even
more muscular torque curve and improving the motorcycle’s
riding characteristics in the process, the new muffler offers
a powerful sound pattern full of character but nevertheless
in full conformity with legal standards.

And last but certainly not least, the hexagonal shape
of the muffler allows the rider to lean over to a low angle
in bends for a sporting style of riding pleasure.

The entire muffler system made of stainless steel weighs
a mere 9.4 kilos/20.7 lb (K 1200 S: 10.4 kilos/22.9 lb)
and is therefore the lightest and most compact exhaust system
with a fully controlled catalytic converter in this segment
of the market.

All other manufacturers require an exhaust system with
two mufflers. The K 1300 S is also available with a very
light and sporting slip-on muffler made of titanium and
featuring a carbon cover as special equipment from Akrapović.

Anti-Spin ControlThe K 1300 S comes as an
option with ASC Anti-Spin Control fitted at the factory
and taking the significantly greater power and torque of
the new four-cylinder into account.

Particularly on a high-torque motorcycle and on road
surfaces varying frequently, ASC is a very sensible addition
to ABS, preventing the rear wheel from spinning when accelerating
and thus losing lateral stability, which otherwise might
make the rear end swerve out of control.

By comparing the speed of the front and rear wheels with
the help of the ABS sensors, the electronic control unit
determines when the rear wheel is spinning, engine management
taking back the ignition angle and intervening in the fuel
injection process to reduce engine power accordingly.

The particularly sporting rider also has the option to
deactivate ASC while riding and is also able to switch off
ABS as long as the motorcycle is at a standstill before
setting out.

BMW K 1300 S Gearshift Assistant

SuspensionInnovative
suspension technology with optimized suspension geometry,
springs and dampers. The suspension geometry of the new
K 1300 S has been upgraded in the interest of even more
neutral behavior in bends and an even higher standard of
agility. This is achieved by modifying the wheel carrier
in its production process and by the use of a Duolever with
a newly designed lower longitudinal arm.

With the K 1200 S entering the market in 2004 as the
world’s fi rst production motorcycle to feature ESA Electronic
Suspension Adjustment, the new K 1300 S now goes a step
further four years later: As before the springs and dampers
may be adjusted electronically at the touch of a button
– but now the spring rate may also be modified by the rider.

The front wheel suspension again features the Duolever
launched in 2004 as another world-fi rst achievement, the
lower longitudinal arm formerly made of forged steel being
replaced on the K 1300 S by a new longitudinal arm made
of forged light alloy.

This reduces unsprung masses by approximately 1 kg in
the interest of an even more sensitive and transparent response
and steering behavior of the Duolever kinematics.

The rear wheel suspension uses BMW Motorrad’s proven
lightweight Paralever, the modified and now even firmer
set-up of the rear spring strut taking the sporting and
dynamic character of the K 1300 S into account. Together
with the rider’s seating position, appropriate interaction
of the suspension and the position of the engine ensures
not only a low overall centre of gravity with ideal mass
concentration on the new K 1300 S, but also perfectly balanced,
ideal wheel load distribution of 50:50.

As on the former model, the central load-bearing component
is the main frame in bridge configuration. In this case
the frame is a welded combination of internal high-pressure
molded elements (IHM profiles) for the bent profile units
at the side and extrusion-pressed profiles together with
die-cast components for the frame head and the lower section
of the swing arm bearings.

The front suspension combines supreme stiffness with
minimum weight, since the design and configuration of the
wheel carrier may be freely chosen also in its contours
due to the cast structure and may therefore be adapted precisely
to the force curves.

Appropriate wall thickness determined specifically according
to local load conditions reduces the weight of the frame
without forfeiting any strength or stiffness. And taking
the main direction of forces into account, the longitudinal
arms are set up mainly to absorb forces in their longitudinal
direction, that is inbound and rebound forces, a structure
which again makes them particularly stiff.

The lower longitudinal arm previously made of forged
steel is replaced by a light-alloy forging on the K 1300
S. Through its light but nevertheless extremely stiff configuration,
this new arm guarantees an even more sensible and transparent
response, at the same time reducing unsprung masses by approximately
1 kg.

Hence, the overall structure weighs a mere 12.7 kg/28.0
lb, as opposed to 13.7 kg or 30.2 lb on the K 1200 S. The
geometry of the spring strut pivot point follows a slight
progression, with 115 mm or 4.52" of spring travel
(60 mm/2.36" inbound, 55 mm/2.16" rebound). At
32 degrees right and left, steering lock complies with the
usual standard in this class.

EVO Brake SystemEVO brake system and BMW Motorrad
Integral ABS both featured as standard. The K 1300 S features
the EVO brake system already well-known from the previous
model and proven in the market everywhere, that is the same
superior system also featured in BMW Motorrad’s other Boxer
and K-Series models.

The brake lines on the EVO brake system are clad in steel
for extra protection, brake discs measuring 320 millimeters
or 12.6" up front and 265 millimeters or 10.4"
at the rear ensuring maximum stopping power also from very
high speeds and under high loads.

The EVO brake system has proven its additional qualities
such as the extremely fast build-up of brake pressure and
minimum operating forces even when applying the brakes all-out
in many tests. Given all these qualities, the EVO brake
system from BMW – EVO stands for evolution – is already
acknowledged in the market as one of the safest and most
effective brake systems available.

The EVO brake system is featured as standard also on
the new K 1300 S together with BMW Integral ABS likewise
well-known from BMW’s other models, in this case in the
particularly sporting and dynamic semi-integral variant.
“Semi-integral” means that when pulling the handbrake lever
both brakes (on the front and rear wheel) are activated
while the footbrake lever acts only on the rear-wheel brake.

Integral ABS was already adapted to the sporting configuration
and style of the K 1200 S and has now been enhanced further
in its control features.

Since the sports rider wants to be able to dose the brakes
smoothly and consistently with precise feeling, specifically
this requirement has been taken into account, ensuring that
even when applying the brakes all-out on the K 1300 S there
is virtually no risk of the motorcycle toppling over.

This is also due to the low centre of gravity and the
particular geometry of the suspension interacting with the
kinematic configuration of the Duolever. In other words,
the rider is able to make full use of maximum tire grip
also in the ABS brake mode, enjoying maximum safety even
in an extreme braking maneuver.

BMW K 1300 S Instruments

DashboardThe K 1300 S boasts a brand-new generation
of switches and manual controls also to be introduced on
all upcoming BMW motorcycles.

Using MID (Moulded Interconnect Devices) technology,
the new switch units are far smaller and more compact and
stand out through an even higher level of functional convenience,
clear design and optimum accessibility. The formerly separated
functions for the direction indicator lights left and right
are now grouped in one and the same function on the left-hand
side of the handlebar to avoid any confusion of the direction
indicators and the horn.

And as a further change, the hazard warning flashers
are now operated by a separate switch within easy and convenient
reach on the left-hand handlebar control. The functions
for the low and high beam as well as the lights flasher
are all combined in one switch easy to reach with your left
index finger.

To ensure even easier and more convenient operation,
the knob for the handlebar heating has been moved up. And
in accordance with practical requirements, the functions
for the starter and kill switch are combined in one toggle
switch unit, ensuring that even with inadvertent operation
of the kill switch the starter with the ignition interrupted
cannot be operated by mistake and subsequently empty the
battery.

Operation of the ESA II and ASC systems, formerly controlled
by two separate switches, is now also combined in one toggle
switch. Given this new technical configuration, the rider
is able to operate twice as many functions as before with
the same number of switches. This is an important factor
in handling future equipment not yet known today, let alone
fitted on the machine.

To begin with, the switch operating the heated handles
on the K 1300 S has been integrated in compact dimensions
and within easy reach on the right-hand side of the handlebar.
The indicator showing the current position of the handlebar
heating switch, in turn, is now integrated in the instrument
cluster display.

The extra-light instrument cluster on the K 1300 S based
throughout on digital technology comes with a newly designed
speedometer and rev counter as well as the typical BMW Info-Flatscreen.
This Information Display offers the rider permanent information
on the temperature of the coolant, the remaining level of
fuel in the tank, the time of day, and the gear currently
in mesh.

For very sporting purposes and competitive events, for
example on the race track, the new K 1300 S may be equipped
with the HP Instrument Cluster already well-known from the
HP2 Sport as a special feature.

LED LightsMatching the sporting, dynamic appearance
of the new K 1300 S, this is the first model in BMW’s four-cylinder
series to be fitted as standard with a LED rear light in
clear glass look.

The use of light-emitting diodes taking the place of
conventional bulbs guarantees unimpaired and maintenance-free
operation, and extends the service life of the lights several
times over.

Options and AccessoriesThanks to its sophisticated ergonomic qualities, the
sporting K 1300 S is fully suitable for long distances and
grand tours.

A new feature available for the K 1300 S is a luggage
rack upgrading the all-round and touring qualities of the
machine. Indeed, the new luggage rack supplements the existing
baggage features already offered by BMW Motorrad in carrying
all kinds of luggage on the motorcycle.

Further customization is ensured by the usual wide range
of options and special equipment from BMW Motorrad. Particularly
the sports-minded rider will therefore enjoy the new K 1300
S even more with the HP Gearshift Assistant, the HP Info
display as well as HP trim components made of carbon.

Optional extras are delivered straight from the factory
and are fitted during the production process. Special equipment
is fitted by the BMW Motorcycle Dealer also providing a
wide range of retrofitting options.

ColorsThe color
concept of the new BMW K 1300 S accentuates the unmistakable
character of this new machine. The non-metallic colors form
a strong and powerful contrast to the black surfaces at
the front, giving the K 1300 S an even more compact and
agile look from the side.

The colors available are Light Grey Metallic and Lava
Orange Metallic. The unique multi-color finish in Granite
Grey Metallic/Light Grey Metallic with Magma Red highlights,
in combination with wheels finished in Glossy Black, creates
the sophisticated and striking look so typical of BMW and
appealing above all to the sporting, performance-minded
rider.

The frame and suspension components on all color variants
are finished in Asphalt Metallic.